Environmentalists are worried a funding dispute in Albany could endanger Long Island environmental programs.

Officials say the $200 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is key to Long Island?s environmental well being. According to officials at the South Shore Estuary, nearly $750,000 each year goes to programs like wetland restoration, storm water run-off and land purchases. Experts say those programs would completely dry up if the EPF funds are not released.

Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Oyster Bay) is head of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. He says officials have the month of June to sit down, resolve their differences and agree on a budget.